Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur Engage in Transfer Battle for Eli Junior Kroupi
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to clash in the transfer market as they both eye Lorient striker Eli Junior Kroupi. The 18-year-old sensation has been making waves in Ligue 2, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.
Kroupi’s impressive form has caught the attention of several top European clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, and Bournemouth. West Ham United have already tabled a bid for the youngster, but Lorient are holding out for a reported £20 million.
Tottenham Hotspur are keen to snap up Kroupi before the winter deadline day, but they are struggling to meet Lorient’s valuation. Chelsea, on the other hand, are allegedly interested in adding Kroupi to their star-studded squad, but it remains to be seen whether they will meet Lorient’s asking price.
Chelsea’s Winter Recruitment Plans
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca shed some light on the club’s winter recruitment plans ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham United. Maresca hinted that there could be incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge before the winter deadline day.
Maresca stated, “You can expect players arriving and you can expect players leaving – it is like this in this moment. I don’t have any idea about the ones that can leave and the ones that can arrive. Anything can happen, we will see.”
The Italian coach emphasized that his primary focus is on the upcoming game against West Ham United, but acknowledged that transfer speculation can affect players. Maresca noted, “100 per cent. For me, yes. But not only us, all the teams. They are human beings. Even if they are professional and focused, but if they are talking to other clubs then the focus is probably not 100 per cent.”
Chelsea’s Current Situation
Chelsea are currently sixth in the 2024-25 Premier League table with 40 points from 23 matches, boasting a good goal difference of +15. The Blues are reportedly trying to offload the likes of Joao Felix, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi before the winter deadline day.
With the transfer window heating up, it will be interesting to see whether Chelsea can secure the services of Eli Junior Kroupi or if Tottenham Hotspur will pip them to the post.
